“Work, Parent, Cook, Save: My Husband’s Lack of Involvement”

Ruby stood by the kitchen window, the early morning sun casting a warm glow on her weary face. As she watched the steam rise from her coffee mug, her thoughts wandered to the day ahead. It was only 6:30 AM, but her schedule was packed: get the kids ready for school, a full day of work at the office, then back home to cook dinner, help with homework, and maybe, just maybe, find a moment for herself before collapsing into bed.

Her husband, Brian, was still asleep. Lately, it seemed like he was always either sleeping or buried in his phone or laptop. Ruby couldn’t remember the last time he had taken the initiative to help with the kids or the house without her asking, let alone suggesting a family outing or a date night.

As she prepared breakfast, Ruby’s mind drifted to her friends. Hazel had just opened her own bakery, turning her passion for pastry into a thriving business. Jerry, a high school friend, was traveling through Europe, her Instagram filled with breathtaking photos of ancient cities and lush countryside. Ruby felt a pang of envy and disappointment. What was so different about her? Why did her life feel like a never-ending cycle of chores and responsibilities?

The morning chaos began as the kids, William and Emma, stormed into the kitchen, bickering over some trivial matter. Ruby mediated the argument, packed their lunches, and hustled everyone out the door. Brian, finally awake, mumbled a half-hearted goodbye as he grabbed his coffee and laptop and headed to his home office.

At work, Ruby tried to focus on her tasks, but her mind kept returning to her home life. She loved her family, but the imbalance was draining her. Every attempt to discuss it with Brian ended in frustration. He would listen, nod, and promise to do better, but the days turned into weeks with little change.

That evening, after a particularly grueling day, Ruby decided to confront Brian again. She waited until the kids were in bed and approached him in his office. “We need to talk,” she said, her voice firm yet tired.

Brian looked up, surprised. “Sure, what’s up?”

“It’s about us, about our family. I’m struggling, Brian. I’m tired of doing everything on my own. I need you to be more involved. Not just for me, but for William and Emma too.”

Brian sighed, his face a mixture of guilt and defensiveness. “I know, Ruby. I’m sorry. It’s just that work has been so crazy lately…”

“But it’s always something,” Ruby interrupted, her frustration boiling over. “Work, a game, an email… When does it end, Brian? When do we become a priority?”

Brian had no answer. He muttered another apology, promising again to try harder. Ruby wanted to believe him, but doubt lingered. She left the room feeling deflated, knowing deep down that little would change.

As she lay in bed that night, Ruby realized that her life was slipping by, defined by her roles as a worker, a mother, a cook, a saver – but not as a woman with her own dreams and desires. She closed her eyes, a tear escaping down her cheek, mourning not just for what her marriage could have been, but for the life she might have lived if things had been different.